Get inspired!

17,363 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Central Courtyard With Brick Façade and Green Wall Systems in a Contemporary Home Design

Authors:
Carlos Luis Aguas Castelo, Andrea Giovanna Urgiles NuÑez
Central Courtyard With Brick Façade and Green Wall Systems in a Contemporary Home Design

Project in-detail

A central courtyard integrated with a green wall system and a traditional brick façade enhances natural cooling and community interaction in a contemporary residential design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard enhances airflow, promoting passive cooling throughout the residence.
02
Traditional brick façade integrates local architectural heritage with contemporary design.
03
Green wall systems utilize local biodiversity for effective water management.
04
Prefabricated concrete elements streamline construction while ensuring structural durability.
05
Majlis serves as a gathering space, fostering community interaction within the home.
The House of the Future in Dubai demonstrates a contemporary approach to residential architecture, integrating modern design principles with cultural heritage. This project emphasizes sustainability and community interaction, while providing functional living spaces that reflect traditional Middle Eastern values. The design incorporates elements that prioritize social connectivity alongside private living areas, resulting in a balanced architectural composition.

Design and Function

The architectural concept centers around the notion of the Majlis, a traditional gathering space integral to Middle Eastern social life. The layout features two main wings connected by a central courtyard. This design facilitates natural ventilation and light, promoting well-being within the living environment. The various spaces are organized to serve both public and private functions effectively, with designated areas for family gatherings and community interactions.

The central courtyard is pivotal, acting as a communal hub that enhances airflow and thermal comfort. It invites outdoor activities and serves as an extension of the indoor spaces, blurring the lines between private and public spheres. The Majlis, positioned strategically at the entrance, allows guests to engage with the house and its occupants seamlessly.

Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on environmentally responsible materials defines the construction approach of the House of the Future. The selection of materials includes brick, concrete, glass, and tiling. Each material contributes to the overall durability, aesthetics, and functionality of the structure.

Brick is used not only for its strength but also for its heritage significance, echoing local architectural traditions. Prefabricated concrete elements streamline construction while providing a modern finish. Large glass openings enhance transparency and visibility, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors. The use of tiling in outdoor areas promotes a cohesive transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Unique Design Elements

The project introduces several innovative design strategies that distinguish it from typical residential designs. Notable is the climate-responsive approach, wherein the central courtyard functions as a natural ventilation system, maximizing airflow and minimizing the need for artificial cooling. This feature is aided by varying wall heights that efficiently draw hot air upwards, maintaining a comfortable environment within the house.

Another unique aspect is the integration of green wall systems, which enhance water management and promote ecological sustainability. These systems utilize plant life to create a microclimate, benefiting both the structure and surrounding environment.

The façade design marries modern construction techniques with traditional motifs, establishing a visual harmony with the local context while ensuring functional performance. The combination of these elements illustrates a thorough understanding of both cultural significance and contemporary architectural practices.

The House of the Future offers a well-considered model for residential design that balances tradition with innovation. Readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design details to gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and functional strategies implemented in this project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,363 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy